Destruction of humic acid in water by UV light—catalyzed oxidation with hydrogen peroxide

A batch reactor was used to evaluate the advanced oxidation process of the UV/H2O2 system for control of natural organic matter (NOM) in drinking water. The light sources used include a 450 W high-pressure mercury vapor lamp and sunlight. Both quartz and Pyrex filters were used to control the wavelength and energy of UV light applied to the aqueous systems. The results showed that NOM oxidation and H2O2 decomposition followed first-order and zero-order reaction kinetics, respectively. The optimum H2O2 dose was found to be 0.01% for the oxidation of humic acids in this study. Carbonate and bicarbonate ions inhibited the degradation of humic acids.